Luray Caverns is the largest and most popular cave in the Eastern United States. If you are planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns is most certainly on your list of things to do. The following information will help you plan your time there. My reviews were mixed so will give you the details to help you make the most of your time.
Why you should visit Luray Cavern
Luray Caverns is one of the most frequently visited caves in America for a reason. The National Park Service named the site a U.S. National Natural Landmark in 1974. The cavern has some of the most beautiful rock formations with colorful displays, a mirrored lake and unique formations that are millions of year in the making. Luray Caverns is a must see during your trip to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and an easy detour from the Thornton Gap Entrance on Skyline Drive.
Disclaimer – Just so you know
While the Luray Caverns are spectacular and a must see, there is a disclaimer. The caverns and other properties on site are privately owned and the company has captured the crowds with tourist trap madness. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good tourist site. And if I had small children we would spend the day walking through the garden maze and the village. BUT…as a empty nest couple who is looking to see the natural wonders of the world, it was a complete turn-off.
Once in the cave, the lack of education about protecting the cave was bothersome. Broken stalactites, paths walking right by columns, lack of staff to ensure preservation made me cringe. When we saw the Wishing Well, I had to say it was a low moment. They encourage throwing coins into a small but deep pool. Yearly they collect money to donate to a charity. While noble, seeing the pool with coins and bills thrown around was disheartening. So much for preserving a natural resource. But I do ask that you put that aside and enjoy the resource for what it is.
Tickets and Important Information
Luray Caverns are opens at 9am and closes between 4pm – 7pm (depending on the time of year). Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for kids 6-12. Kids under 5 are free. We went in 2021 and there were no tour guides only self-guided tours with a pamphlet. The caves are well-lit and there are signs to match your pamphlet telling you the key highlights of the cave. Our self-guided tour took a little over an hour and we stopped for pictures and to read all of the info.
The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Heritage Village, and the Toy Town Junction are included with your ticket. The Garden Maze and Rope Adventures are for an extra charge. Parking is crowded, but usually a convenient spot is available. There is also a cafe and gift shop. Get your tickets here.
History and Overview
Although Native American knowledge of the caverns may predate discovery, a group of men including William Campbell, Andrew Campbell and Benton Stebbins first explored the cave in 1878. The caverns have lighted and paved walkways through some of the more magnificent sites. Some of the more spectacular sites include:
Pluto’s Ghost – A large formation created by merging stalactite and stalagmite has a beautiful white image that appears as a ghost in the cavern. It is large and you will see it from many angles during your tour.
Dream Lake – The lake consists of over 2,000 square feet of water that is at most 20 inches deep. What makes this area so spectacular is that the water creates a perfect image of the hanging stalactites in the water which creates a mirage of underwater formations. Walking close to the water to see the reflection is quite amazing. The photos do not do justice to the experience.
Wishing Well – As states above this was my least favorite as it felt like it was a clash of nature and human influence. The money is used to donate to charities, but just left me sad that we are not preserving the natural beauty.
Pictures of Dream Lake with the mirror images. Notice how the water looks like the floor of a cave with lots of texture
Stalacpipe Organ – An actual organ created by Larry Sprinkle begun in 1956 that utilizes stalactites of varying sizes to create the music. Was very interesting to know the history
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